A comparative study of the Mellor–Yamada and k–ε two-equation turbulence models in atmospheric application

The present study systematically compares the Mellor–Yamada (MY) model and the k−ε algebraic stress model in order to verify the possibility of using the k−ε algebraic stress model in atmospheric applications. The results of the parameterization process and atmospheric application of both models confirmed that the MY model neglected the pressure redistribution effect of buoyancy due to 〈uiuj〉 and 〈uiθ〉 and that of shear due to 〈uiθ〉. In addition, the MY model overestimated the turbulent energy dissipation. Based on the formulation of the k−ε algebraic stress model, we modified the constant value Cμ(=0.09) in the standard k−ε model to obtain the variables CμM and CμH to account for atmospheric stability. Finally, the results of the simulation obtained from the Wangara experiment verify the possibility of using the k−ε algebraic stress model in atmospheric application.